BMW K 1600 GT: Fast and furious

BMW K 1600 GT with a mammoth six-cylinder engine is an easy handler and by far the best touring bike.

BMW Motorrad’s flagship product is easily the K 1600 GT super-tourer. This bike boasts of numbers that are rarely spoken of in the two-wheeler world. XXL in size, tipping the scales at 332kg and, brace yourself, a six-cylinder engine for power.

Muscular with broad-shouldered proportions tucked under a fairing, this handsome BMW looks every bit a super-tourer. Gyro sensors feel what the bike is doing and intelligently direct the middle headlight beam, which sits between a pair of dazzling white xenon eyes, in the direction you need to look.

There is remote central locking, and you can opt for satellite navigation as well as an audio system with your GT. Our ride included over 200km of rain-drenched windy stretches with temperatures hovering under 10 degrees Celsius. That’s when the heated grips and saddle stepped in to provide as much comfort as can be expected in such bleak motorcycling conditions.

High-speed cruisingWhile 200kph is easily achieved, the big K is able to cruise lazily up to 150kph and still pull like a locomotive at speeds as high as 170kph. The K 1600 GT’s riding position is just right. The GT handlebars are slightly more forward-set, with the rider and pillion pegs a little differently positioned.

Rock-solid stability is a GT highlight and the big cruiser supports you with stellar ride quality, apart from this being easily tailored on the go. The GT proved capable of astonishing handling for such a big motorcycle over diverse roads during our lengthy ride, even when saddled with panniers stuffed to the hilt.